AltStore PAL, an alternative iOS app store that launched in the EU last year, is set to expand its reach to additional countries. Developer Riley Testut announced plans to launch in Japan, Brazil, and Australia by the end of this year, with an anticipated rollout in the UK in 2026. Testut noted that requests for expansion into more countries have been a priority, although the team is awaiting further information from Apple regarding specific timelines.
In addition to geographical expansion, AltStore is aiming to integrate with the fediverse using the ActivityPub protocol, which will facilitate the federation of applications, updates, and news alerts relevant to AltStore across the open social web. Each AltStore source is expected to have its own ActivityPub account that can be followed by users on other platforms. This will allow users to engage with AltStore content directly through social media platforms like Mastodon and Threads, with all interactions displayed within the AltStore app.
To support this endeavor, the AltStore team is collaborating with Mastodon gGmbH to manage a custom Mastodon server, which is currently in beta. They are also partnering with the non-profit organization A New Social to support Bluesky using the Bridgy Fed tool. These fediverse features are projected to be available in AltStore PAL within the next few months.
Furthermore, AltStore has secured a $6 million investment from Chris Paik of Pace Capital, enabling the team to hire additional staff and enhance the integration of fediverse features, as well as expand globally. Paik and Flipboard CEO Mike McCue will join AltStore’s board of directors, potentially influencing the company’s future direction in the evolving social media landscape.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/795173/altstore-alternative-ios-iphone-app-store-more-countries-fediverse-social-web